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Stakeholder Mapping for a Nature-Based Solutions Project: A Comprehensive Approach for Enhanced Participation and Co-Creation

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  • Cláudia Pereira

    (University of Minho, Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE), Advanced Production and Intelligent Systems (ARISE), Department of Civil Engineering, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Amirmahdi Zarghami

    (University of Minho, Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE), Advanced Production and Intelligent Systems (ARISE), Department of Civil Engineering, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Elisabete Teixeira

    (University of Minho, Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE), Advanced Production and Intelligent Systems (ARISE), Department of Civil Engineering, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Emília Araújo

    (Communication and Society Research Centre (CECS), Institute of Social Sciences (ICS), Department of Sociology, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal)

Abstract

In Nature-Based Solution (NBS) projects, stakeholder mapping is not merely a methodological step but a strategic process that enables meaningful engagement, co-creation, and the building of trust among diverse actors. This study describes the stakeholder mapping approach adopted in the NBSINFRA project, paying particular attention to methods designed to strengthen participation and co-creation. The process followed three inter-related steps: (1) stakeholder identification; (2) stakeholder analysis, filtering, and prioritization; and (3) stakeholder understanding. Drawing on a cross-methodological approach, including interviews, focus groups, direct observation, and on-site observations, the project engaged a wide spectrum of stakeholders, involving representatives of the local community. The findings point out that stakeholder mapping functioned as a catalyst for social engagement, co-design, informal collaborations, and the development of trustful and transparent relationships between team members and the community. The process made it possible to identify regional and national stakeholders, thereby opening avenues for international collaboration in later stages of the project. Finally, this study highlights persistent challenges that require attention, including information gaps, limited opportunities for participation due to time constraints, and the enduring prevalence of top-down decision-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Cláudia Pereira & Amirmahdi Zarghami & Elisabete Teixeira & Emília Araújo, 2025. "Stakeholder Mapping for a Nature-Based Solutions Project: A Comprehensive Approach for Enhanced Participation and Co-Creation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8416-:d:1753796
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